Children and families decorate paper quilt squares at Cleveland Avenue Library.

GPB partnered with Cleveland Avenue Library to jump into a summer full of learning at the Summer Reading Kick Off Carnival on June 2. Children and families explored activity stations from face painting to crafts, even adopting miniature dinosaur friends to join them on their reading journeys.

GPB’s station featured the new PBS KIDS series from GBH Kids, “America’s Awesome Kids,” which highlights 25 kids from across the country in five-minute episodes as they share their hobbies, passions and ways they love to get involved in their communities. Parents and children alike followed along to learn what is special about living in different states, celebrating “all kinds of awesome kids, one awesome country.”

Children at the Cleveland Avenue Library each worked on a paper quilt square showcasing “Why am I an awesome kid?” Each child created a collage with magazine cutouts and drawings, layering photos, illustrations and text representing things that they love and that make them unique. Once their quilt squares were complete, they added their individual squares into a growing community quilt. Each new addition to the quilt brought an element of individuality, forming a vibrant piece of art celebrating awesome kids in the Atlanta community. From sports to music to nature, kids expressed their love for learning, getting ready for a summer of reading ahead.

Kids combined their paper quilt squares to form a community quilt.

Kids combined their paper quilt squares to form a community quilt.

Families and children also had the opportunity to explore GASHA GO! World through an interactive, arcade-style learning station complete with digital games and activities focused on problem-solving, digital citizenship, literacy and more. Kids enjoyed playing games, crafting collages and exploring what makes them awesome with their families and friends. Before making their way to the next station, each child received a dinosaur stamp on their summer reading passport. 

Want to stay involved? GPB and PBS KIDS invite you to check out PBS KIDS Across America specials on GPB and PBS KIDS. You can also learn more about GASHA GO! World at gpb.org/gasha-go. Join us as we embark on a summer journey of creativity, fun and learning!